Thursday, July 17, 2014

Michael Cox (BBC) teaches Bizet's Entr'acte


Dear Flute Lovers,

 I hope you're all having a lovely summer.
It's hot here, and I've been practising with a full-on fan blowing at myself and the music stand.
Most amusing! :>)

In between bouts of wind, there are some inspiring flutey things on the net (wherein I turn the fan to face the computer and have a good inspirational listen.)

Today's "must see" is this:
Michael Cox of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, teaching Bizet's "Entr'acte" or "Intermezzo from Carmen" by Bizet. Brilliant!

Michael Cox Masterclass Entr'acte by Bizet. (video)


Note about slow download speeds such as I have:
If you can press the pause button, let the movie load, and go and say,  make a cold beverage, water the plants, and then come back to the computer, you can see the video once it has all loaded; much better than watching a jerky version which will make you bonkers.

In yesterday's blog post I was talking about tension in the neck and shoulders and arms, and it's interesting to observe Michael Cox's tension level when he plays emotively vs. when he plays calmly and centered, without excessive emotion. This relates to the scale of 1 to 10 tension from my gosh-darn essay on the topic. :>)

All totally fascinating stuff! Your comments and observations are welcome!

On the same website "Principal Chairs", there's a Paul Edmund-Davies interview.
Part 1 and Part 2.
Tons of interesting details about the real life of a real orchestral flutist in the real world.
Fabulouso!

So enjoy, and don't let the flute slip off your sweat soaked chins, dudes. :>)
(information is here, for those flutists with "sweaty chin in summer" see no. 2 at:
http://jennifercluff.blogspot.ca/2013/03/flute-novice-questions-also-see.html )

Best, Jen
Comments (2)
Blogger Franklin Chen said...

Thank you, I really enjoyed that instruction on Bizet's beautiful excerpt. Deceptively simple music, but so hard to play beautifully.

Thursday, July 17, 2014 10:41:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thanks for your comment Franklin.
I particularly enjoyed the technique Michael uses of choosing to place the embouchure not for the starting note (Eb2), but for the top end of the range (Bb2 and higher). I've discovered that insight myself, and teach it also. So great to have it corroborated.
Best, Jen

Thursday, July 17, 2014 11:45:00 PM

 

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